A couple of important dates on the hockey calendar are on the horizon.

In just five days, on Nov. 23, American Thanksgiving will take place. Traditionally, this is a day for football and avoiding family the first significant benchmark of the NHL's regular season, an unofficial quarter pole in which teams take stock of their playoff chances. Per Sportsnet, since the league expanded to 30 teams in 2000, roughly 75 per cent of teams in a playoff position at Thanksgiving finished the season there.

Then there's that second date.

In 100 days, on Feb. 26, the NHL's trade deadline will occur. That gives GMs just over three months to make calls, kick tires and jockey for position on the TSN Quizmaster's “BUYER OR SELLER?” chyron.

So how does this all pertain to your local hockey squadron?

Well, the Canucks could end up being fairly significant players on both fronts. Following Thursday's ugly loss to Vegas,...

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